Love At All Cost

Chapter Two: A Heart That Serves in Silence

Love At All Cost

Chapter Two: A Heart That Serves in Silence

The sun had risen higher over the peaceful village of Umuneka, casting a warm golden glow across the red earth paths and clustered mud houses. Birds chirped from distant trees, and life in the village moved at its usual gentle pace.

Nadia arrived at Isaac’s compound shortly after.

It was a spacious compound made up of four neatly built mud houses, more beautiful and wellkept than her own home. The yard was swept clean, and a few plantain trees stood at the far corner, swaying softly with the morning breeze.

As Nadia stepped inside, she immediately saw Isaac’s mother sweeping the compound.

A soft smile formed on Nadia’s face.

“Good morning, Mama,” she greeted respectfully.

Isaac’s mother looked up and smiled warmly.

“Good morning, my child, how are you doing and how is your mother.” I'm fine and my mother is doing well, Nadia replied.

Without hesitation, Nadia stepped closer.

“Please, Mama, let me help you sweep. I don’t want you to stress yourself.”

Before the older woman could respond, Nadia gently collected the broom from her hands and began sweeping the compound with care and energy.

Isaac’s mother watched her with admiration.

“My child, you are very kind,” she said softly.

After finishing the sweeping, Nadia noticed Isaac’s mother carrying used dishes toward the back of the house.

She quickly walked over.

“Mama, don’t stress yourself. I’m done sweeping. Let me wash the dishes for you.”

Isaac’s mother shook her head lightly.

“No, dear, you don’t have to do everything.”

But Nadia insisted.

“Mama, I want to do it.”

The older woman smiled gently.

“Oh Nadia… you are such a blessed child. Thank you.”

Nadia took the dishes and began washing them carefully at the side of the compound.

When she was done, she looked up again.

“Mama, do you have clothes that need washing? I can help you wash them too.”

Isaac’s mother hesitated.

“No, you don’t need to do that.”

But Nadia shook her head.

“I want to do it for you, Mama.”

After a short pause, Isaac’s mother finally nodded.

“Alright… you can wash them.”

Nadia smiled and went ahead with the laundry, scrubbing and rinsing with determination.

When she finished, she wiped her hands and returned inside.

“Mama, what would you like to eat? I can cook before I go home.”

Isaac’s mother sighed softly.

“My daughter, don’t worry. There is no water in the house. I will wait for Isaac to return and fetch water before I cook.”

But Nadia immediately stepped forward.

“No, Mama. Don’t worry. I will go and fetch water and cook for you. I don’t want you to feel hungry.”

Isaac’s mother looked at her with deep admiration.

“Oh Nadia… you are such a good girl. Your future husband will be a very lucky man.”

Meanwhile…

Not far away from the house in another compound, Isaac was inside a room with Malika.

He had just returned with fruits and expensive fabrics that many village girls only dreamed of owning. But in his hands, they belonged only to her.

Isaac held Malika close, kissing her gently. She leaned into him at first, but suddenly pushed him away.

“Isaac…” she said firmly, “I don’t like the way that girl Nadia is always in your house.”

Isaac sighed.

“Malika, I told you already. I have no feelings for Nadia. I don’t even notice her. You are the only one I love.”

Malika narrowed her eyes.

“Are you sure?”

Isaac nodded quickly.

“Yes. She is nothing to me. Don’t worry about her.”

A smile returned to Malika’s face.

“Good.”

Isaac held her hand again.

“Come with me. I want to take you to my mother’s house and officially introduce you to her I can't wait any longer.”

Malika smiled sweetly, and together they walked hand in hand toward Isaac mother's house.